Status of Irish Aquaculture 2007

Abstract

This is the fifth annual report to review the status of Irish aquaculture (see Parsons et al., 2004, Parsons et al., 2005, Browne et al., 2006, and Browne et al., 2007). As with previous editions it has been produced in collaboration with the three main State agencies that provide support services in the areas of research and development to the industry – Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Marine Institute (MI) and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The objectives of this and previous reports are: (1) To provide an objective and comprehensive source of information on the status of Irish aquaculture in 2007. (2) To show trends in the production, employment, export and market statistics for the Irish industry in 2007. (3) To summarise the current licensing activity, this was the responsibility of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, now the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF). (4) To present the results of the wide range of monitoring programmes for farmed shellfish and finfish, which are carried out primarily by the Marine Institute, in accordance with Irish and EU food safety and environmental requirements. (5) To highlight the various aquaculture research and development initiatives which were underway in 2007. (6) To collate information about Irish aquaculture training. (7) To report on issues/events/initiatives that occurred during the year 2007. (8) To present summaries of pertinent aquaculture reports published during 2007. The overall aim of the report is to provide useful reference material for the industry, trade customers, investors, researchers and interested parties.